Visalia fire camp teaches kids about fire safety, drought issues

VISALIA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A south valley fire camp is giving kids an inside look at being a firefighter, and teaching them about the current drought at the same time.

The City of Visalia nearly canceled their yearly fire camp because the camp does a lot of water activities with fire hoses and the city is currently enforcing water restrictions. Instead, the campers were entertained by mostly non-water activities. They learned how to safely climb a fire ladder, checked out a toy house that teaches how to safely respond to a fire alarm, and how to prevent electrical hazards.

They also heard from a water conservation expert on how to cut down on water use at home.

"I'm here to follow up with the kids after they have fun playing in the water to make sure they know where their water is coming from, how they're using it, and how they can conserve it in their homes on a daily basis," said Josh Nauman, Water Conservation Education Coordinator.

"We also have an event today where we're giving them tours of the stations letting them see where they see where we sleep where they eat, where they spend their days when they're not fighting fires or saving lives," said Kurtis Brown, Visalia Fire Department.

Visalia's fire camp is for ages five through eleven. Another session will happen later this month.